Hiking the Old Growth

Redwoods Pics: 2025

Nov 09, 2025

I drove up the coast, Highway 1, and did not take many pictures. I felt too congruent with the heaviness of the clouds to break with them for more than one or two photographs. What a gorgeous stretch of road! —hugged by the seething ocean and the rolling hills. Or, further north, the precipitous mountainsides.

I spent the night in Montecito. I splurged on a cabin due to this whole ordeal. It was adorable, and I would have loved to stay 2 nights, had I the cash and the time. I think this would be a lovely honeymoon/couple location. The town was charming and there was some delicious food and wine to be had.

The next day, I drove the 5 hours to our AirBnB in Orick, near the center of the Redwood parks. I met up with my friend Dan, and we went grocery shopping. I insisted on a bougie grocery store, and it being California, we didn’t have to go too far (just 45 minutes?).

A lot of this food did not get eaten!

But I ended up making feijoada on the 2nd or 3rd night. It’s a Brazillian dish that’s a comfort food for me. My mom was a missionary kid in Brazil and would often make it growing up.

Dale arrived on the second day, and the 3 of us went on 3-4 hikes over 3-4 days.

Me among the Redwoods

Dale (left) in his beloved kilt, and Dan (right)

Me standing next to one of the larger trees

For my favorite hike, Dale, Dan and I went to an isolated part of the woods. I was tired of the crowds in the more tourist-heavy hikes. Who knew a forest could feel crowded! This hike took about 4 hours, and it was wonderful being among the trees and ferns, alone. Wonderful to hear a bubbling stream long before you came upon it. One of our party brought along some uhhhh, fungal enhancements, and that was my first time. I sat at this bench for a while, and nearly didn’t notice it because it was off-the-path. You had to climb a bit for it.

Each evening, we’d return and sit by the fire. I didn’t get a photo, but I stole this picture of the fire pit from the AirBnB page…

Our AirBnB was in the middle of elk resting grounds, so we saw packs of them here and there as we were driving around. They never showed up at our doorstep while we were there (as pictured above), however.

Dale and Dan were perfect housemates! Thanks to them for always being helpful with cleaning up, especially Dan going above and beyond for the final clean-up, and for managing the fire each night, and for all the things you took care of that I didn’t notice. <3

We spent some time on a beach the last day. After some strenuous hikes, it was lovely to nap in the warm sun, accompanied by the soporific waves.

On the last morning, Dale drove back to his home further north, and I dropped Dan off at the nearby airport.

Alone, I drove back to San Francisco to catch my flight home.

I swung through the famous “Avenue of the Giants” drive, enjoying my solitude after having my social cup filled. This was a magical drive, with the tall trees so close to the road.